Incorporate prayers for peace in the Middle East and safety for Christians into your daily routine. Be specific and be consistent. Ask the saints, especially the Christian martyrs, to intercede to our Lord for the suffering of those on earth. Pray for the conversion of hearts and for the reign of peace. Fast from a food or beverage or from a form of entertainment to maintain solidarity with our Christian brothers and sisters. Heed the request of Des Moines Bishop Richard E. Pates, chairman of the Committee of International Justice and Peace of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, and pray for peace as a nation together on Aug. 17.

Welcome the stranger.

The United States has a history of welcoming into its borders those who are escaping religious persecution. Those on the brink of death in Iraq should be no exception. Let us find room in our hearts and in our homeland for the men, women and children who are being forced to leave their own homes, communities and parishes.

Listen to Pope Francis.

“Hatred is not to be carried in the name of God! War is not to be waged in the name of God!” the pope said Aug. 10. “Let us pray together to the God of peace through the intercession of the Virgin Mary: Give us peace, O Lord, in our days, and make us builders of justice and peace.”